Blood is a difficult stain to remove from any surface because of its composition. The hemoglobin in blood binds with oxygen to bind the substance to whatever it is on. Carpet, being absorbent and fibrous, is extremely difficult to remove blood from. There are a number of methods claiming success.

Here are some simple tips which may show you how to remove blood from your carpet:

1. If the blood has not dried, try to blot with a clean white cloth. Soak up as much of the stain while it is still wet before trying any of the following steps. Do not allow the blood to spread as you are blotting it; do not rub it.

2. Treat the blood with a small amount of detergent, working it into the carpet with a toothbrush or other small brush. Do not rub the blood. Blot the stain.

3. If the stain still does not fade, try shaving cream on it, again working the soap in with the brush. Again, blot but do not rub.

4. The next product you will try is ammonia. Blot it into the carpet; then blot with a clean white cloth. The reason for repeated blotting is to remove all that can be removed after soap is applied.

5. When you use a brush as instructed above, always clean to the center of the stain so that the stain will not spread.

6. After the ammonia step is complete, if the blood stain still persists, apply detergent directly to the stain, then blot again with a white cloth.

7. Rinse the area with clean water, and once again blot with a clean white cloth.

As long as a home has pets and/or kids, there is always the possibility that you will get blood on something in your house. While carpet is not a good place to have a blood stain, it is not insurmountable and does not have to be permanent.